When you feel up to it, I’d ask whether the nicu run coffee mornings in their family room or similar, or whether they have a Facebook group for parents. I made some wonderful friends who “get it” when others don’t. We were in for two months so it was really tough seeing a revolving door of babies in and out, but some were there much longer and it’s likely you’ll be in for at least 3-4 months so you need to pace yourself, take time to rest, you can’t pour from an empty cup and all that stuff is very true. Take care of your own health - if you have any complications from your birth seem medical help before they get out of control (I ended up with cellulitis and a severe urine infection). Make sure you’re eating and drinking enough. Are you expressing milk? If so, having a decent double pump at home will save you lots of time and energy and maximise your supply.
The one positive about being in NICU is the staff - the most wonderful, caring, lovely HCPs I’ve ever met. When you can’t be there, they will comfort your baby and take care of them just as well as you would. When you have a very long stay, it’s simply not possible to be there 24/7 for months on end so this is very important.
Most higher level NICUs have access to a counsellor which I would recommend when you’re up to it.
Hold her / touch her as much as you can - skin to skin is amazing for you both, although it’s not easy with an umbilical line in place. It actually got easier when they got a different line in.
Something like this really helps as you can leave your scent with your baby when you’re not there www.cuskishop.co.uk/award-winning-miniboo-2-pack-656-p.asp